Melissa McCarthy is opening up about her controversial Elle cover photo, which critics said was too covered up and didn’t celebrate her womanly curves.
The Mike & Molly actress had a message for those who spoke out against it, saying she was actually the one who picked out the oversized jacket.
McCarthy was asked about it while she walked the red carpet for the Elle Women in Hollywood gala, and she said she found the backlash “bizarre” because "I picked the coat.
She told E! News, “I grabbed the coat. I covered up. I had a great black dress on but I thought, it comes out in November.”
She added that the coat was a reminder of the seasonal changes, saying "I was so sick of summer. I live in Southern California. I was like, 'Give me a big coat to wear. Give the girl some cashmere!'"
McCarthy went on to say, "I was just shocked I didn't steal it. Now I think I really should have the coat. I'm petitioning for that coat. Give me that coat. I earned it, damn it!"
Elle also stood behind their cover when the backlash first started. "On all of our shoots, our stylists work with the stars to choose pieces they feel good in, and this is no different: Melissa loved this look, and is gorgeous on our cover,” they said in a statement.
image: Elle